Each kilogram of ilish is approximately Tk1,200

TDS Desk:

Amid debate over the export decision of the country’s national fish, the first consignment of 18 tons of ilish was sent to India through Benapole land port on Thursday ahead of Durga Puja.

The export price for each kilogram of fish is $10, which is approximately Tk1,200.

On Thursday, six trucks carrying the fish arrived at the Benapole border. After quality checks, approval for export to India was granted at 3:00pm.

On September 24, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce issued permits to 49 exporters, allowing the export of 2,420 tons of ilish through the Benapole border.

Of these, 48 exporters were permitted to export 50 tons each, while one exporter was allowed to export 20 tons.

The export of ilish need to be ended within October 12, said a fisheries official at Benapole.

Since 2012, Bangladesh has been sending ilish from the Padma River to West Bengal during Durga puja seasons.

Previous governments referred to this as a gift of ilish. However, the interim government adopted a stricter stance on sending ilish to India.

The government changed its position and resumed exporting Bangladesh’s national fish to India.

Mahbubur Rahman, fisheries quarantine officer at Benapole Fisheries Office, said in the first shipment, six companies were allowed to export 18 metric tons of ilish.

“More trucks may arrive at the border in the evening, and they will also be given permission to cross if their paperwork is in order,” he added.